Unigo: What are the most important things for freshmen to bring to college?

Expert NETWORK Column

Week of Monday, May 16, 2011

The Unigo Expert Network is a group of top education experts from across the US answering questions submitted by students and parents about college admissions and succeeding after high school.

“I leave for college in a few months, but don’t know what to bring. What should every college student bring with them for academics, social, and dorm life? What does every student kick themselves for forgetting?”–David S., Fresno, CA

Experts

Expert Answers

Alison Almasian

Director of Admissions

St. Lawrence University

Time management skills reign supreme… When thinking about the most important things to bring to college, time management skills are at the top of my list. For most incoming first year students, the greatest change they will notice is the increased freedom. It is very easy to embrace that freedom without anticipating the consequences. Even though students likely will have much less actual class time, the amount of homework will be increased significantly. Students need to understand how to budget their time well in order to flourish both academically and socially.

Mitchell Lipton

Dean of Admissions & Records Registrar

Cooper Union

Check in with your roommate ahead of time. Check to see if your college will provide you with the contact information for your roommate. This would enable you both to plan accordingly and more importantly get acquainted before school starts. Also, ask your college if they can provide you with a list of recommended items. If you have special needs/requests e.g. physical disability, check in now with your college to ensure a smoother transition this fall.

Betsy Morgan

Founder

College Matters LLC

You don’t need a U-Haul! Make the important distinction between necessities and accessories. Pack the necessities and wait on the accessories. Just as realtors advise new homeowners to “live with it” for a while before making any radical changes or large purchases, approach moving into college the same way. Yes, you will need towels, a comforter and extra-long sheets.You also need toiletries, school supplies and some snacks. A few things that students often forget: an extension cord with surge protection, a wastebasket, poster putty, coat hangers, an umbrella, laundry detergent and a set of dishware and utensils. Most of all, don’t forget to bring a sense of adventure and an open mind. Enjoy!

Jeannie Borin

Founder & President

College Connections

Designing your dorm room can be a creative adventure. It’s easy to find lists of what to take to college on websites like College Board or stores like Bed Bath & Beyond. With all the electrical juice needed these days, it’s smart to take power strips, surge protectors and a few extension cords. Great plastic storage containers (Target) can fit right under your bed and work great for organization. The list goes on…music, headphones, flashlight, medical supplies, bathroom and laundry equipment. Roommates often share a TV, refrigerator and/or microwave to keep costs down. Think creative and add some great art to your walls. Enjoy!

George Mills

Vice President for Enrollment

University of Puget Sound

Try not to bring too much with you. At Puget Sound over 80% of our students join us from high schools outside of Washington State. This means most students travel a distance to enroll at a campus, which has its own identity, culture, and style. The mistake most freshmen make is that they bring too much with them. Plan to buy as much as you are able to when you arrive on campus. This goes for clothing as well as items for your room. Of course, you will want to bring favorite things, which will make your adjustment to college smoother such as your favorite comforter or pajamas but don’t overload yourself before you arrive on campus.

About the Unigo Expert NETWORK: The Unigo Expert Network is a group of top education experts across the US dedicated to the success and well-being of high school students as they make the transition to college life. With members from two-year, four-year, private, public, and independent institutions, the network has over 3,000 years of collective experience, spanning all areas of admissions, financial aid, and how to succeed in college. To see all members of the Unigo Expert Network, visit www.unigo.com/admissionsexperts. Unigo.com is the web’s largest, 100% free resource for college information, used by over four million high school students and parents.

Unigo: What are the most important things for freshmen to bring to college?

Expert NETWORK Column

Week of Monday, May 16, 2011

The Unigo Expert Network is a group of top education experts from across the US answering questions submitted by students and parents about college admissions and succeeding after high school.

“I leave for college in a few months, but don’t know what to bring. What should every college student bring with them for academics, social, and dorm life? What does every student kick themselves for forgetting?”–David S., Fresno, CA

Experts

Expert Answers

Alison Almasian

Director of Admissions

St. Lawrence University

Time management skills reign supreme… When thinking about the most important things to bring to college, time management skills are at the top of my list. For most incoming first year students, the greatest change they will notice is the increased freedom. It is very easy to embrace that freedom without anticipating the consequences. Even though students likely will have much less actual class time, the amount of homework will be increased significantly. Students need to understand how to budget their time well in order to flourish both academically and socially.

Mitchell Lipton

Dean of Admissions & Records Registrar

Cooper Union

Check in with your roommate ahead of time. Check to see if your college will provide you with the contact information for your roommate. This would enable you both to plan accordingly and more importantly get acquainted before school starts. Also, ask your college if they can provide you with a list of recommended items. If you have special needs/requests e.g. physical disability, check in now with your college to ensure a smoother transition this fall.

Betsy Morgan

Founder

College Matters LLC

You don’t need a U-Haul! Make the important distinction between necessities and accessories. Pack the necessities and wait on the accessories. Just as realtors advise new homeowners to “live with it” for a while before making any radical changes or large purchases, approach moving into college the same way. Yes, you will need towels, a comforter and extra-long sheets.You also need toiletries, school supplies and some snacks. A few things that students often forget: an extension cord with surge protection, a wastebasket, poster putty, coat hangers, an umbrella, laundry detergent and a set of dishware and utensils. Most of all, don’t forget to bring a sense of adventure and an open mind. Enjoy!

Jeannie Borin

Founder & President

College Connections

Designing your dorm room can be a creative adventure. It’s easy to find lists of what to take to college on websites like College Board or stores like Bed Bath & Beyond. With all the electrical juice needed these days, it’s smart to take power strips, surge protectors and a few extension cords. Great plastic storage containers (Target) can fit right under your bed and work great for organization. The list goes on…music, headphones, flashlight, medical supplies, bathroom and laundry equipment. Roommates often share a TV, refrigerator and/or microwave to keep costs down. Think creative and add some great art to your walls. Enjoy!

George Mills

Vice President for Enrollment

University of Puget Sound

Try not to bring too much with you. At Puget Sound over 80% of our students join us from high schools outside of Washington State. This means most students travel a distance to enroll at a campus, which has its own identity, culture, and style. The mistake most freshmen make is that they bring too much with them. Plan to buy as much as you are able to when you arrive on campus. This goes for clothing as well as items for your room. Of course, you will want to bring favorite things, which will make your adjustment to college smoother such as your favorite comforter or pajamas but don’t overload yourself before you arrive on campus.

About the Unigo Expert NETWORK: The Unigo Expert Network is a group of top education experts across the US dedicated to the success and well-being of high school students as they make the transition to college life. With members from two-year, four-year, private, public, and independent institutions, the network has over 3,000 years of collective experience, spanning all areas of admissions, financial aid, and how to succeed in college. To see all members of the Unigo Expert Network, visit www.unigo.com/admissionsexperts. Unigo.com is the web’s largest, 100% free resource for college information, used by over four million high school students and parents.